UNC5B

This gene encodes a member of the netrin family of receptors. This particular protein mediates the repulsive effect of netrin-1 and is a vascular netrin receptor. This encoded protein is also in a group of proteins called dependence receptors (DpRs) which are involved in pro- and anti-apoptotic processes. Many DpRs are involved in embryogenesis and in cancer progression. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2011]

Full Name

Unc-5 Netrin Receptor B

Function

Receptor for netrin required for axon guidance. Mediates axon repulsion of neuronal growth cones in the developing nervous system upon ligand binding. Axon repulsion in growth cones may be caused by its association with DCC that may trigger signaling for repulsion (By similarity).
Functions as netrin receptor that negatively regulates vascular branching during angiogenesis. Mediates retraction of tip cell filopodia on endothelial growth cones in response to netrin (By similarity).
It also acts as a dependence receptor required for apoptosis induction when not associated with netrin ligand (PubMed:12598906).
Mediates apoptosis by activating DAPK1. In the absence of NTN1, activates DAPK1 by reducing its autoinhibitory phosphorylation at Ser-308 thereby increasing its catalytic activity (By similarity).

Biological Process

Biological Process angiogenesis Source:UniProtKB-KW
Biological Process anterior/posterior axon guidance Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process apoptotic process Source:UniProtKB-KW
Biological Process axon guidance Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process negative regulation of extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in absence of ligand Source:UniProtKB1 Publication
Biological Process negative regulation of neuron apoptotic process Source:UniProtKB1 Publication
Biological Process positive regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling Source:UniProtKB1 Publication

Cellular Location

Cell membrane
Membrane raft
Associated with lipid rafts.

Topology

Extracellular: 27-377
Helical: 378-398
Cytoplasmic: 399-945

PTM

Phosphorylated on cytoplasmic tyrosine residues.
Proteolytically cleaved by caspases during apoptosis. The cleavage does not take place when the receptor is associated with netrin ligand. Its cleavage by caspases is required to induce apoptosis.
Palmitoylation is required for pro-apoptotic activity, but not for location at lipid rafts.